Patent · US Expired

Low insertion force electrical connector with stress controlled contacts

US4575172A · kind A · utility

36Cited by
9References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 26, 1985
Grant dateMar 11, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 26, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01R12/83
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A low insertion force multiple contact electrical connector with stress controlled connector spring contacts for use in making electrical contact with a plurality of conductive pads or strips formed along an insertable edge of a printed circuit board includes a plurality of smooth, continuously-curved connector spring contacts mounted in slots formed along an elongated cavity in a connector housing. Each spring contact includes a C-shaped portion with opposed, deflectable contacting portions for engaging the conductive strips disposed on opposite sides of the insertable edge of the printed circuit board. The opposed contacting portions define an opening through which the edge of the printed circuit board may be inserted in the cavity of the connector housing with low or zero insertion force. Subsequently, the printed circuit board is pivoted or rotated through an angle into a final contacting position, in which position the conductor strips on the printed circuit board engage and deflect the contacting portions of the spring contacts with a relatively high contact force. The C-shaped terminal portion is free to rock about a mounting leg integrally formed therewith. The connector ho…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.